We can't all preach like Paul, save a nation like Abraham Lincoln, or start a movement like Martin Luther and Martin Luther King. But we can all do something.

We are called to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. God doesn't keep score and count the numbers. He counts the intent. Have you preached to billions like Billy Graham, or do you spend your free time checking on your shut-in neighbors and bringing them food? The intent is the same.

If your neighbors aren't Christian, do they see you getting into your car each Sunday morning and heading to church as a silent witness to your dedication to God?

Have you sacrificed so your family can have more? God sees that.

You see, the one of us that want have more honor and glory for ourselves will not. And those who do not seek honor and glory will get it. The Bible says, "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first." The more you put others' need above your own, the greater you will become in the eyes of God. That's what His Son, Jesus did for us. He gave everything, stepping down from the throne of God to become a man, and a humble man at that.

"For the meek shall inherit the earth."

We tend to think of this life as all there is. What we accomplish here is what we get. That is not how Heaven works. This life is just a test to see how we will spend all eternity.

So think about it. What can you do that would please God. Make a list:

Help a neighborSing in the choirBring food to a needy familyHelp a sick friend or relativeBe an example at workEncourage othersGive away BiblesMarch on your nation's leaders to make a changeStand up against wrongJoin a Bible studyGet a degree to educate yourself

The list is endless. Use your talents to help others. Everyone has talents, from being kind and cool under pressure to mediating explosive situations. From cooking hot dogs in the church kitchen for hungry kids, to serving 7 course meals to the rich who don't know Jesus. From volunteering to teach VBS to kids at your local church, to becoming a professor of Biblical studies at the highest ranking university. God sees the intent in your heart, and He counts it all as greatness to expand His kingdom, one heart at a time.

So what will you do with the Great Calling He has laid down for you? Will you follow that call? He's waiting for your first move.

We see them everywhere. The signs appear on almost every street corner nowaeays.

Please helpWill work for foodHungry, please help.God bless.

I've even seen one that saidAnything Green,and one that said Why lie? I need a beer.

How do we know that what we are offering out of a spirit of kindness and generosity does not go into someone's pocket, or up their nose? The liars and abusers are on the news. Panhandlers driving Corvettes, and people living in nicer homes than ours because they just don't want to work. It's easier to ask someone else for money than it is to go earn it for yourself.

This morning as I drove into work I saw a man I've seen before, on his usual corner. He has a wheelchair and a blanket on his legs. When one woman offered him a dollar from her car window, he jumped up from his wheelchair and walked over to grab it. This morning he was pushing his own wheelchair back to his corner.

So how do we know who we are helping, and who is just helping themselves to our money?

The easy answer is we don't. And as individuals it would be hard for us to know these things. That's why I choose to support and trust the agencies that have been trained specifically for this purpose. Personally, I support Lutheran Social Services (through my own church body). Most churches have homeless shelters, or funds for supporting our public agencies. There is always the Red Cross, or the Salvation Army. Here in Sacramento, we also have our local Sacramento Food Bank. These entities have been trained and organized to be able to help the most amount of people the most efficiently. By supporting them, I do not need to worry about who just got the best of me and who is not telling the whole truth.

We are to be good stewards of our time, talents, and treasures. I think this is a good start. When someone asks me for a dollar now, I just tell them, "I give online." Being generous doesn't mean being stupid.